Silver
Springs - State Fish and Wildlife Area

Update: The trap range is only open Mondays & Tuesdays 8 a.m. to sunset during pheasant hunting season which is October 17th, 2014 thru January 15th, 2015. The only exception to this is Tuesday, November 11th the trap range will be closed for a special pheasant hunt.

A pool of clear bubbling water which sparkles like silver on sunny days
provides the basis for the name of Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife
Area. Even on extremely cold days, this pool does not freeze, and visitors
marvel at the bordering beds of watercress. Majestic oaks and prairie
grasslands provide a panorama of natural beauty to park visitors. The
Fox River runs through this picturesque area which is also home to several
small manmade lakes. A natural prairie restoration project gives visitors
a feeling of the original landscape with native wildflowers, songbirds,
waterfowl and upland game. Picnicking, fishing and hiking are popular
pastimes in summer, with ice fishing, sledding, ice skating and cross-country
ski trails available for the winter sports lover. For relaxing, exercising
or just enjoying nature, Silver Springs is the perfect get away location.

History

The state of Illinois
purchased the original 1,250-acre area in 1969. It is located five miles
west of Yorkville in Kendall County. An additional 100 acres have since
been added to the site. A 30-acre prairie restoration project began in
1980 and continues in its development with the addition of 15 acres in
1991.

Picnicking

For a family outing,
bring your picnic basket to any of several areas along the Fox River.
Picnic tables, charcoal grills, water and toilets are conveniently located.
If a shelter is desired, three are located in the main park area. Shelters are avaiable on a first come - first served basis. Reservations are not accepted. A refreshment
stand is located east of Loon Lake to help you complete your picnic lunch,
or provide light snacks and soft drinks.

Fishing

If you like fishing,
two small lakes in the park offer catches of channel catfish, large and
small mouth bass, bluegill and crappie. Rainbow Trout are stocked
twice annually in Loon Lake. All fishing is prohibited in Loon Lake
from March 15 until the first Saturday in April, at which time the trout
are stocked and fishing may begin. Loon Lake is also closed prior
to the fall trout stocking, from October 1 until the third Saturday in
October. For the river fisherman, the Fox River provides good bank
and boat fishing. The river yields excellent catches of large and smallmouth
bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, bullhead, carp, northern pike
or muskie.

The 45-acre prairie
restoration area allows visitors to view an area similar to those once
dominating the landscape before the settlers tamed the land. For visitors
wishing to get a close look at the prairie grass, wildflowers, birds and
animal residents, a one-mile mowed path winds through the site.

Boating

If you like to feel
the spray of water on your face, bring your canoe and enjoy a trip down
the Fox River. For lake anglers and those who like to just relax
on the water, boating is permitted on Loon and Beaver lakes. Gasoline
motors are not allowed, however. For those who would like a motorized
trip on water, the Fox River is an excellent choice. There's no restriction
on motors there, but because of shallow waters in some areas, small motors
are recommended.Local
businesses offer Canoe Rental.

Trails

If exercise or nature
study is your goal, a scenic four-mile trail winds along the river and
through wooded areas overlooking the lakes-perfect for an exhilarating
walk or a relaxing stroll. If horseback riding is more to your liking,
a seven-mile equestrian trail is located in the wildlife management area
and is available except for hunting season.

Camping

For those who like
rustic, primitive environs, an area overlooking the Fox River is available
for Youth Group camping. No vehicles are permitted in the camp area, so
it requires backpacking a short distance. Only the sounds of nature surround
campers in this heavily-wooded area along the river, a sanctuary from
the hustle and bustle of life.The youth camp is avaiable on a first come - first served basis. Reservations are not accepted.

Hunting

Sportsmen will find a variety of game, including pheasant, rabbit, deer (archery only), dove, coyote and squirrel. For practice before the hunt, trap and archery ranges may be used when hunting is not taking place. Dog training areas are also available, with a permit. Hunter Fact Sheet

Winter
Sports

When
cold weather sets in, Silver Springs offers a variety of activities for
the winter sports enthusiast. Cross-country skiing, sledding and ice skating
can be enjoyed when conditions permit. Ice fishing is a popular change
of pace. A four-mile snowmobile trail begins at the picnic shelter and
is open when snow cover is adequate. Check at the park office for maps
and regulations.